Chinese developers seek antitrust investigation into Apple over App Store fees

10:18

A group of Chinese app developers has filed an antitrust complaint against Apple, accusing the US technology company of imposing unfair App Store commission fees and using its dominant position in the mobile application market.

According to reports, 48 developers submitted an open letter to China’s market regulator requesting an investigation into Apple’s commission policies. They claim that the company’s fee structure creates excessive costs for local creators and limits competition within the digital market.

The developers argue that Apple’s control over the iOS ecosystem allows it to maintain high charges for app distribution and digital transactions. They say these practices place financial pressure on smaller businesses and independent developers.

Apple’s App Store generally applies commissions on digital purchases and subscriptions, with rates that can reach up to 30%. The company has introduced lower rates for some categories of businesses and services in certain markets.

The complaint comes as Apple faces increased regulatory scrutiny in several regions, including the European Union, the United States, and parts of Asia, where authorities are examining whether App Store rules restrict fair competition.

Neither Apple nor China’s market regulator has immediately issued a public response regarding the complaint. The case could add to broader global debates over the power of major technology companies and the regulation of digital platforms.